The Hidden Dangers of Hair Dyes l Unhealthy Beauty Products l Hair Dye Ingredients

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Not everyone can have a great natural hair color, so we do what we can by coloring our tresses. As trends and culture evolve, our desire to alter the way we are perceived is an ever evolving mechanism. This is nothing new. The passion to alter our hair goes back to ancient times when the Egyptians used henna (flower), and the Romans tinted their hair blond using saffron flowers. During the 1800s, scientist William Henry Perkin accidentally made the first hair dye (he called it mauve) when creating synthesized quinine. It was a lot better than using henna as it lasted longer. The results revolutionized the textile industry and beauty industry. However, there is a cost to our health. Hair color has even more chemicals today and the European Union already banned over 100 of them. The banned chemicals could cause lung irritation, arthritis, cancer, and skin allergies. Here are 4 dangers of using hair dye and how it may affect your health.

Chemicals that Impact the Neurological System

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We already mentioned para-phenylenediamine, a chemical used to help darken hair. PPD can cause allergic reactions and could be a carcinogen. The chemical impacts the neurological system, which is the brain and spinal cord. DMDM Hydantoin is another chemical that can be released formaldehyde (a chemical used to preserve bodies). Lead acetate was banned in Europe and could cause cancer growth. Ammonia can cause skin irritation and lung irritation. Many dyes have coal tar, and about 71 percent of products use them. The problem is coal tar has caused cancer in animals, and could also cause it in humans. According to LiveStrong.com, DMDM hydantoin is a preservative “that has been linked to immune system problems; ammonia, which can be toxic and corrosive.”

It Can Breakdown the Immune System

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Some studies have shown the toxins in hair products can cause immunotoxicity. This is defined as an adverse effect on the healthy immune system from the result of continual chemical exposure. The organs, tissues, and the immune system start to break down. When the resistance of the body is low, illness could follow and take root. This can include skin allergies, bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. The Environmental Working Group has researched and ranked products in their data base. They found a whopping 456 hair dyes that are hazardous to your health. Be diligent, and research to know what is in your hair color.

They Cause Allergies

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Anytime we use chemicals we should assume that they are bad for us. Chemically-based hair coloring products could cause allergies. You could cause blisters and hives on your scalp. Health.com shared that this is rare, and affects roughly 1 out of 250,000 people. It could be fatal if there is difficulty in breathing. This could mean the body is going into an anaphylactic reaction, and you need to receive medical attention. Before you try a dye, do the skin patch test. Add a drop of dye on a small area of the skin (inner wrist) and wait to see if the body reacts. If you are not sure, just switch to a chemical-free product like Sante Herbal, or Tints of Nature. More products are entering the market as the demand for alternative beauty care is growing.